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Fresh Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing topped with nuts and cheese

Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed

A fresh and vibrant salad combining sweet strawberries, crunchy almonds, creamy feta, and a flavorful poppy seed dressing, perfect for hot days or gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 270
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 4 cups Fresh baby spinach Washed and dried well
  • 2 cups Strawberries Ripe, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Crumbled feta or goat cheese Optional but recommended
  • 1/4 cup Thin sliced red onion Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup Toasted sliced almonds or pecans For crunch
Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons Honey Start with 1 and taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Poppy seeds
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 2 twists Black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Dry the spinach really well as wet spinach makes everything watery.
  2. Slice strawberries right before serving for optimal freshness.
  3. Toast the nuts in a dry pan for 2 to 3 minutes to enhance flavor.
  4. Toss spinach with a little dressing first, then add toppings.
  5. If raw onion feels too sharp, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
Making the Dressing
  1. Shake all dressing ingredients in a jar until well mixed.
  2. Adjust the sweetness or tang of the dressing according to the sweetness of the strawberries.
Serving
  1. Toss the salad right before eating for the best texture.

Notes

Keep salad components separate until serving to maintain freshness. If making ahead, wash spinach and store with a paper towel, keep dressing in the fridge, and store strawberries and nuts separately.